“I do. Thank you.”
He leaves after giving me one more concerned look. As soon as the door closes behind him, I open up the text.
Unknown: We own you now. Go against us and this is released to the entire school.
Blinking, I laugh.
Me: Go ahead. They already think I’m trash and Nate will come out on top, as usual.
It’s true. While his reputation might take a hit from associating with me, he can spin it to benefit him.
Unknown: At school, sure, but what about the police? Didn’t you know Nate turned eighteen in September? You’re still only seventeen, right? How hard would it be to get your foster parents to press charges on him? Statutory rape is a serious offense.
My heart clenches. I knew Nate turned eighteen in September. It was before Willow went to live with them. He was held back a year in elementary school, placing him in our grade instead of graduating last year like the others his age. His eighteenth birthday was celebrated in a big way, with the entire school invited. Not that I went.
I have no doubts they could follow through with their threats. I can ruin my future. I never truly imagined I had one after my parents died. At this point, if death took me, I would smile because at least I would be with the two people I know who loved me unconditionally.
I can’t do that to Nate, though. As much as he hates me, I still care about him. I won’t ruin his future.
Me: What do you need me to do?
-
Tiffany: Team bonding. Tonight, 8 p.m. school parking lot.
“Interesting place for team bonding,” I mumble to myself as I walk out of my room.
“Hey, what are you up to?” Jacob asks, sitting on the couch.
“Hey, I have ‘team bonding,’” I air quote.
“Sounds fun,” he deadpans.
“It should be.”
“Do you need a ride?”
“Nah, I’m good. Thanks though. Enjoy your night,” I say as I walk toward the door.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Jacob calls out as I close the door.
“Get in!” Katie yells from the driver’s seat.
I slide into the passenger seat and shut the door. “I didn’t know you had a car.”
“I borrowed it from my dad for the night.” She shrugs as she takes off.
“Nice. What do you think we will be doing tonight?”
“You know as much as I do, so who knows.”
“Awesome,” I say under my breath as Katie turns up the radio.
She sings under her breath as she drives while I lay my head on the window, watching the buildings pass by.
“Ready to find out?” she asks as she pulls into the parking lot.
“Ready as I can be,” I mumble as she pulls into a parking spot next to the other girls.
